On June 8 and 9, 2025, Italians will have the opportunity to cast their votes on a series of significant referendums that address vital aspects of labor legislation and citizenship. This crucial decision involves five referendums, with four questions focusing on labor issues linked to the Jobs Act and one question concerning the length of legal residence required for applying for Italian citizenship.
The labor-related questions have been championed by the CGIL (General Confederation of Italian Labor), a major trade union organization in Italy. The fifth question, which revolves around citizenship, is backed by a committee composed of hundreds of associations and is led by notable figures such as Riccardo Magi, Sonny Olumati, and Deepika Salhan.
Among the labor questions, the first asks for the abrogation of the provisions concerning the "Contract of employment with increasing protection - Discipline of illegitimate dismissals." This rule, introduced by the Jobs Act, stipulates that in companies with more than 15 employees, a worker dismissed unlawfully does not have the right to reinstatement. If this provision is repealed, it would allow for reinstatement in cases of wrongful dismissal.
The second question pertains to small businesses and addresses the issue of dismissals and related compensation. Currently, if a worker is dismissed unlawfully, the compensation cannot exceed six months' salary. The proposed partial repeal would enable compensation to exceed this limit, potentially providing greater financial support for wrongfully dismissed employees.
The third question focuses on the reasons for using fixed-term contracts, which affects many workers and employers alike. This referendum seeks to reintroduce the requirement for specific justifications for fixed-term contracts, a stipulation that was initially included in the 2018 Dignity Decree. Under current regulations, companies can hire fixed-term employees without justification if the contract duration is less than or equal to 12 months.
As it stands, fixed-term contracts can be extended up to 24 months if certain conditions are met, such as the need to replace other workers or if specified by collective agreements. The proposed referendum would eliminate the option for companies to issue fixed-term contracts without a stated reason, thus imposing stricter regulations on their use.
If the 'Yes' vote prevails, it would mean that companies would no longer be able to issue fixed-term contracts without justification for periods up to twelve months. This change could lead to a reduction in the flexibility currently enjoyed by employers, while simultaneously providing greater job security for employees.
Conversely, if the 'No' vote wins, the existing laws would remain in place, allowing companies to continue utilizing fixed-term contracts without needing to provide a reason for short-term employment. This outcome would preserve the current level of flexibility for businesses, but it might also perpetuate job insecurity for workers.
The debate surrounding these referendums is intense, with advocates arguing that stricter regulations on fixed-term contracts can lead to greater job stability and reduced precariousness in the labor market. Opponents, however, caution that such measures could hinder business operations and limit employment opportunities.
In addition to the labor questions, the referendum on citizenship has also garnered significant attention. This question seeks to address the legal residence duration required for individuals applying for Italian citizenship. The implications of this referendum are profound, as it could affect many long-term residents in Italy who aspire to become citizens.
The committee advocating for this change argues that the current regulations are restrictive and do not reflect the realities of many individuals who have established their lives in Italy. By modifying the legal residence requirements, they believe that more people would have the opportunity to integrate fully into Italian society.
As the referendum date approaches, both supporters and opponents are ramping up their campaigns to sway public opinion. Public discussions are expected to focus on the potential impact of these referendums on the labor market and citizenship rights in Italy.
The outcome of these referendums could shape the future of labor laws and citizenship in Italy, making it crucial for voters to be informed about the implications of their choices. With the stakes high, the upcoming vote is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in Italian politics, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward employment security and the integration of foreign residents.
As Italians prepare to head to the polls, the discussions surrounding these referendums highlight the ongoing debates about labor rights and citizenship in an ever-evolving social landscape. The decisions made in June will resonate well beyond the voting booths, influencing the lives of countless individuals across the nation.